London Bike Show 2012: Highlights from Intense, Yeti, Whyte and Pivot

London Bike Show 2012: Highlights from Intense, Yeti, Whyte and Pivot

The London Bike Show opened its doors to the public today for the second edition of a show that is proving popular with the industry and punters alike. We popped along to see what’s new and shiny, and here’s our very quick roundup of the stuff that caught our eye.

Intense Cycles

One of the bikes we’ve been eagerly anticipating since it was first announced is this, the Intense Hard Eddie 29er. A fabulous carbon fibre frame not only makes it a show stealer, but brings the weight down to around 18lb as pictured. The rigid carbon fork is the company’s own design, but is still at prototype stage. Expect this bike to be available April.

Also grabbing our interest was the Carbine. This marks the company’s first dabble into carbon fibre, when it was released in the middle of last year. It packs 150mm of travel, adjustable down to 140mm, and uses VPP suspension.

We asked Intense’s UK importer Extra UK what the most popular Intense bike is, and we were told it’s the Tracer 2. And we can see why.

Whyte release carbon 29er hardtails

Whyte reveal their two new carbon 29er hardtails to the public for the first time, and we’re really impressed with how good they look. Using similar carbon fibre technology as found in the 20C but uprated for the bigger wheels. Geometry is based on that found on the aluminium 829, which we rode last year.

Pivot go carbon

One of the bikes we’re really looking forward to riding this year is Pivot’s first carbon offering, the plastic treatment being given to the Mach 5.7 platform. That means you get 5.7in of travel from the DW-Link platform wrapped in one of the tidiest frames we’ve seen. Wherever you look there’s evidence of incredible attention to detail.

We loved the Mach 429 when we tested it. And the good news is that for 2012 the frame has been updated, and somehow they’ve managed to drop 1/2lb (around 230g) in weight from the frame! A new top tube, a few refined tubes here and there, plus the move to a tapered head tube, have allowed this weight saving to be achieved. The geometry remains as before. There’s also a 142 X 12mm rear through axle design with post mount disc brake tabs

Yeti SB-95-A

How much do you want this frame? Yeti takes its new SB-66, and redesigns it around 29er wheels, and the SB-95-A is the result (A stands for aluminium). Important things to note include the slack 68.5 degree head angle, Switch Technology dual-link suspension based around an eccentric link rotating as the rear wheel moves through its travel, and 120mm of travel. Weight is 7.5lb.

With all the attention (rightly) the SB-66 is getting, it’s easy to forget about the 575. So here’s a photo to remind you.

So what do you think of that lot then? Let’s hear you comments below. Tune in tomorrow for another roundup from the show.

Just got back from the bike show today. One of the highlights for me was seeing on-one’s prototype of their fat bike, as the name suggests, the wheels are huge! Guy there said that it takes effort to get it going, but once you do, it’s a really good laugh.

Editor's Picks

With spring slowly getting underway it’s time to get geared up for the new season. Check out our guide to waterproof cycling jackets, so you’re ready for those changeable conditions, and if the winter weather has got the better of any of your bike’s components make sure you take a look at our reviews section for guides on replacing those worse for wear parts.

Newsletter Terms & Conditions

Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy.